Transferrin saturation

Transferrin saturation (TS), measured as a percentage, is a medical laboratory value.

For instance, a value of 15% means that 15% of iron-binding sites of transferrin are being occupied by iron.

This finding helps in the early diagnosis of hereditary hemochromatosis, especially while serum ferritin still remains low.

This explains why ferritin levels remain relative low in hereditary hemochromatosis, while transferrin saturation is high.

To help clinicians interpret their patients' results, laboratories are generally also required to report their normal or reference values.